CHAMBER JOINS MAYOR ON TRADE MISSION TO SOUTH AMERICA
Chamber Senior Vice President of Global Initiatives Carlos J. Valderrama and other L.A. business leaders are currently with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on a 10-day trade mission to South America. Chamber Board Member Joseph A. Czyzyk, Mercury Air Group, Inc., who is also with the group, addressed more than 100 business leaders in Santiago, Chile earlier this week. "I made the decision to invest in Chile because I see a bright and strong future ahead," he said. The group is also visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia and Sao Paulo, Brazil and Bogota, Colombia. Contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, 213.580.7569. Above, Mayor Villaraigosa with Start-Up Chile staff (Photo courtesy of Robert Dombkowski).


Technology startup entreprenuers gather for Emerging Tech Salon
Technology startup entreprenuers gathered Thursday at the Chamber's Emerging Commerce Council to learn more about structuring their businesses, creating proper legal documentation and how to recruit and retain talent. Above, CODA Electric Representative Jon Luskin introduces CODA's vehicle to Brian Quock, Ecolibrium Solar, before the meeting begins. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Chamber to continue effort on pension reform
The Chamber will continue to be a strong proponent for pension reform in Los Angeles despite the announcement on Monday of the suspension of gathering signatures for a May ballot measure to cut pension benefits of city employees. “We hope that today’s announcement will soon be followed by continued efforts to reduce the growing cost of pensions and the corresponding cuts in public services,” said Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben. The Chamber will continue to support efforts that propose real solutions to this growing challenge. Contact Ruben Gonzalez, 213.580.7568.

Volunteers needed as mock interviewers to prepare youth for work
The Chamber's L.A. Youth at Work initiative is seeking employers and business volunteers to facilitate mock interviews to prepare young adults with the skills needed to succeed in obtaining entry-level employment. Volunteers will visit Jefferson High School and Santee Education Complex next week for "mock" face-to-face job interviews with aspiring job candidates. This is also an opportunity to tap into a qualified and pre-screened pool of candidates to fill entry-level positions. If you are available Monday or Wednesday morning, contact Kimberly Balderrama, 213.580.7505.

AT&T to invest $14 billion to expand wireless and broadband networks AT&T recently announced plans to invest $14 billion over the next three years to significantly expand and enhance its wireless and wireline IP broadband networks to support growing customer demand for high-speed Internet access and new mobile, app and cloud services. Project Velocity IP will expand AT&T's high-potential growth platforms, helping drive continued increases in revenues from existing and new products and services, and earnings per share. Read more. Seasons 52 opens new restaurant in Century City Fresh grill and wine bar restaurant Seasons 52 opened this week on Santa Monica Blvd. in Century City. It is the third Southern California location. "This restaurant — right here in the heart of Los Angeles — underlies our commitment to a healthy lifestyle and to providing dining experiences that celebrate the seasons and the finest local ingredients," said Stephen Judge, president of Seasons 52. Read more. Click here to submit your member good news.